Problems connected with the construction and the functioning of the prototype oxidising catalytic converter

Nanomaterials and nanotubes represent a relatively new area of science and industrial practice. The authors of the article suggest replacing the standard washcoat of the catalytic converter and using the nanotubes, which is expected to substantially increasethe contact surface of the catalytic layer with the exhaust gases. The article presents the problems in constructing the prototype catalytic converter as well as solving them and the construction of the converter. The constructed prototype oxidising catalytic converter was constructed by covering the standard ceramic core with cell density equal to 400 cpsi. The layer of nanotubes with an extended surface contact with exhaust gases was covered with platinum in a much lower amount than in a standard converter. The prototype converter was assembled in the exhaust systems of modern, turbo-charged diesel engines. The converter was subject to preliminary research on the engine test bed and in the road test NEDC. The research outcomes of conversion of the prototype converter confirm the possibility of applying nanotubes in the atmosphere of exhaust gases. They also indicate that if the existing problems were solved, the converters built according to the prototype converters could be used on an industrial scale. The most significant problems to be solved can be observed in covering the core with the nanotubes layer of an organised spatial structure. Moreover, it is essential to obtain such features of the, platinum cluster which enable to lower the light-off temperature. An analysis of benefits resulting from applying the described prototype converter and possible technical solutions aiming to reduce the observed technical problems are included in the summary of the article.